BY LYNNISSHA RUNA – ISLES MEDIA FREELANCHER
Papua New Guinea’s men’s basketball team has done it again — winning gold at the FIBA Melanesian Cup 2025 after a thrilling 68-61 victory over long-time rivals Fiji at the Friendship Hall in Honiara.
This victory marks PNG’s return to the top after eight years, having last won the title in 2017. The match was tough, emotional, and filled with pride.
PNG started strong, but Fiji came back fighting in the third and fourth quarters. With strong defense and belief in each other, PNG pulled ahead when it mattered most.
“We knew we had to stay calm and trust our game,” said Moses Apiko, who played a key role in the win. Apiko scored 23 points, with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, and was named one of the Outstanding Players of the Tournament.
Team captain Apia Muri also showed leadership on and off the court, contributing 5 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block in the final game.
“This win means a lot to us, especially because it qualifies us for the 2027 Pacific Games,” said Muri. “It’s a big moment in our country’s basketball history. Credit goes back to the boys for their undefeated spirit.”
Muri also thanked families, friends, sponsors, and the PNG-Solomon Islands community in Honiara who cheered them on.
While the PNG men celebrated gold, the PNG women’s team also made the country proud, earning silver after a hard-fought loss to Fiji in their final match.
Together, both teams have shown the heart and pride of Papua New Guinea on the court.
